Arrow for archery



Jam. 26, 1932. R H. cowDl-:RY

ARROW FOR ARCHERY Filed July 5. 1927 Erg-..2

Patented dan. 26, 1932 lUITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RBERT H. COWDERY, OF GENEVA, OHI, ASSIGNOR TO THE AMERICAN FORK & HOE COMPANY, 03F CLEVELAND, OHIO, A CORPGRATION 0F 0HIO ARROW FR ARGHERY Application led July 5, 192'?. Serial No. 203,425.

illy invention relates to arrows for archery, and relates particularly to the provision of an arrow adaptable to be used for target and limiting purposes, and which may be pro` duced in quantities with uniformity in the qualities of weight, balance, and in straightness as well as having uniform air friction effects.

lvleietofore, arrows have been made of ,in many differentmaterials, and effort has been made to accomplish the production of an arrow, metallic in whole or in part, and in which one or more of the above qualities was sought to be obtained. :le rlhese edorts have, so far as l know, left much to be desired in the effort for achievement of all of the above qualities in an arrow responding to the requirement of present day practice.

For instance, at the present time, an arrow adaptable for competitive target, clout and distance shooting, is usually about 28 inches long and may weight the equivalent of l shilling and 9pence in new English silver, and the bobtail comprises three feathers each curving the saine way and usually about l1/ iin-hes long and 1/2 inch deep, and preferably are made of seasoned red deal and although may be self? very often are footed, that is, a piece of hard wood to which the pile or point is attached is spliced to the deal shaft, which of course must be perfectly straight and stiff. 'llhis construction involves the making of the shaft to a uni- 'd form diameter of approximately 5% of an inch,

The archery associations have set up certain specifications, not di'ering greatly from Ithe above, for arrows used for competitive archery, but it is found very ditlicult to make arrows of wood or other materials suitable for the purpose, adaptable to conform to such specifications, and in using deal or other seasom-d wood, difficulty is had in achieving the l desired straightness, weight and balance, and even more difficulty is had in maintaining the desired straightness in an arrow after mal:- ing. during and pending use. Wood is very susceptible to warping and many expedients have been adopted, such as storing the artill rows in closed cases and whereby all sides of the arrow are exposed to the same temperature and humidity conditions. Archers, however, are prone to disregard the safeguards which minimize but which may not prevent warping, with the result that the arrows must be very carefully selected before each competition, many being thrown out as unfit, which have cost much in production and maintenance up to the time of competition.

An object of my invention is to accomplish the production of an arrow of a form capable of being made in quantities, with substantially uniform results as to weight, balance, and a high degree of straightness and to provide for the mounting thereon of the necessary pile, bob-tail and nook.

Another object of my invention is to provide an arrow having the aforesaid qualities and which will maintain such qualities through indeterminate periods of use or nonuse and without requiring the care now required to maintain arrows free from Warpinfr.

lnother object of my invention is to provide an arrow hardy enough to withstand the forces incidental to its use without substantial variation in form.

Other objects of my invention and the invention itself will be apparent by reference to the following description of certain embodiments of my invention and which are illus trated in the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. l is an elevational View of an embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary elevational View of the embodiment of Fig. 1, the view illustrating substantially the actual size of the same;

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional View taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a modified construction of a nook;

Fig. 5 is a. transverse sectional view taken on the line 55 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional v iew of a modified feather mounting;

Fig. 7 is an end elevational view of the embodiment of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view partly in section` of another modification of the feather mounting;

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken lon the line 9-9 of yFig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view partly in section of another form of the feather construction;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary view partly in section of still another modification `of the feather construction;

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 12-12 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 vis a transverse sectional vie taken on the line 13-13 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary view mostly in longitudinal section of a modified construction of the pile; and

Fig. 15 shows a modified form of shaft hav*- ing an exterior sound vibration subduing coating.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, wherein like parts are designated by like reference characters, in which figures I illustrate one embodiment of my invention, preferably comprising a shaft 10, formed of a light tubular metallic material, such as a seamless tube of steel having a relatively thin wall and a diameter sufficiently small to 4render the same of light weight, while. at the same time of sulficient thickness to insure durability thereof. The diameter of the shaft is preferably of equal dimensions at each end of the same. At 11, I show an impact pile preferably inthe form of a bullet head and formed of hollow steel, or the like, having a pointed end and having the opposite end thereof reduced in its transverse dimensions at 12, the reduced portion being telescoped into the end of the shaft with the shoulder 13 thereof engaging the end of the tube. Suitable means may be employed for securing the pile onto the tube, such as by welding the same thereon, or by soldering the joint, at 14, a quantity of lead or the like may be placed within the head adj acent the point to properly balance the arrow, somewhat similar to the manner illustrated in Fig. 14. v

A nock' 15 having a portion slotted at 16, and a reduced portion 17, is provided, said reduced portion being telescopable into the bore of the tubular shaft as shown at 18,with the shoulder 19 thereqf engaging the end of the shaft opposite to the pile receiving end.

The slot 16 may receivea bow string therein' for propelling the arrow in use. The nock may be formed of a ibrous'material, such as compressed aper or the like, and thus a possibility o the same cutting the bow string will be nil. The nock may be so secured in the shaft by striking the end of the shaft a slight blow to form a small turned-in portion in the shaft.

A feathering for guiding the its Hight through the air is provided and disposed on the tubular shaft adjacent to the arrow during nock end thereof, the feathering being secured thereon, preferably by a wrapping 20 of thread, or the like, wound spirally about the shaft and covering a. portion of the surface thereof, a distance of substantially 2% inches in length. This wrapping provides a supporting base for a plurality of feathers preferably three in number, equally spaced rom each other, the quill 22 thereof being secured to the wrapped .base by a suitable cement, glue or the like adhesive material, and with the projecting ends of the quills further secured to the base by a thread spirally wound about the same and the shaft. at 24 and 25. The quills extend longitudinally along the shaft surface with the feather vanes 21 projecting radially thereof. Each o'f these vanes is naturally bent in a very slight curve in the same direction from their forward end toward their rear end and forms a screw proeller which may effect rotation of the arrow during its iight through the air and thus increase its precision and projectibility. However, these vanes may be secured so that the natural curvature of the same is straightened. If desired, the edges of the vanes may be trimmed, as shown, however, they may be left with straight edges.

I have found that a tubular shaft having a length of 25% inches, possessing a diameter of s of an inch throughout its entire length and having a wall thickness throughout its length of substantially .0075 of an inch is well adapted for use in the formation of an arrow, and I have found that an arrow having these dimensions gives highly satisfactory results. This length added to the length of pile and nock ma give a desired total length of 28 inches. owever, it is to be understood that I may depart from the dimensions herein given and I do not wish to be limited to thesc dimensions as they are given merely for the purpose of illustration and to enable a more thorough understanding of my invention. My limproved arrow is well adapted to conform to specifications in vogue promulgated by the various archery associations.

The reduced portion of the nock providesl a stopper for the tubular shaft to prevent the ingress of moisture, water or the like, from entering the tubular shaft and thus eliminates possibility of the tubular shaft being deteriorated from the inside outwardly by rusting, or the like. The outer surface of the tubular shaft may be covered with a protective coating to prevent the deteriorating efforts of the elements from attacking the tubular shaft from its exterior surface. A high metallic polish may also be applied to the tubular Shaft and thus decrease air friction of the arrow during its flight through the air and thereby increasing its range and precision.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings,

I have shown a modified form of nock which might be employed in place of the nook illustitl trated in the embodiment of Fig. 1. This nock is preferably formed Ain the end of the shaft 10 by cutting a slot 30 therein and in bending the edges of the bifurcated portions of the shaft, thus formed, inwardly at 31 and 32, and rounding the same at their extremities 33. The slot and side wall portions may be machined and all sharp corners and burrs may be removed during such a machining operation thereon, and accordingly the nock will not cut or fray the bow string in use.

et plug 34 of wood or other fibrous material may be inserted into the shaft bore 35, beyond the nock and thus form a stopper to i prevent the ingress of moisture or water into the shaft and thereby eliminating the possibility of the tubular shaft rusting or deteriorating 'from the interior outwardly.

Referring to the embodiment of Figs. 6 and 7, l show a second scheme for Hetching an arrow, preferably comprising a nock 40 of wood or the like, such wood as deal, spruce and basswood, which has been found to give very high effcient results in use. @ne end of the nock 40 is reduced in its transverse dimensions at 4l, to forni a plug which is telescoped within the bore of the shaft 10, with the shoulder 42 of the nock engaging the end of the shaft. 'lhe telcscoped portion ofthe plug is of a size sufficient to be self-retaining in the bore of the shaft when placed therein, however, the shaft may be punched slightly inwardly at 48 to insure against displacenient thereof, and thus a closure for the end of the shaft bore to prevent the ingress of moisture therein is provided. The opposite end of the nook 4() is slotted at 43 for the bow string. The outer surface of the nock is preferably highly polished prior to placing the feathers thereon. The feathers are preferably three, in number, of equal size, and equally spaced from each other, with their quills 44 engaging the nock and extending longitudinally along the exterior surface of the same, and secured thereto by a suitable cement, glue or the like adhesive material, with the projecting ends of the quills further secured to the plugl by a wrapping of thread, shown at 45 and 46. The vanes 47 of the feathers extend radially of the nock and are naturally slightly curved and form a screw propeller. rl`hese vanes may be trimmed if desired, as illustrated in the drawings.

Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, wherein Iv show still another manner of fletching the arrow, which I accomplish by forming longitudinally extending grooves in the tubular shaft adjacent the nock lthereof, these grooves being formed by drawing the end of the tube through a plurality of rollers. Into these grooves I insert the quill 52 of the feathers and secure the same therein bya cement, glue or other suitable adhesive, and I then further secure the projecting ends of 5 the quills by wrapping a thread about the same, as shown at 53 and 54. The vanes 55 of the feathers extend radially of the shaft and may also be slightly curved to provide a screw propeller for the arrow.

Referring now to Fig. 10 of the drawings, I show a fourth manner of fletching the arrow which comprises stippling or knurling the exterior surface of the shaft at prior to the insertion of the nock 61 into the end thereof. This stippled or knurled portion of the shaft permits the quills 62 of the feathers to be secured directly to the metal, by virtue of a cement, glue or other suitable adhesive material, it having been heretofore found that the quill cannot be readily cemented directly to the smooth surface of the metallic tubular shaft. I may further secure the projecting ends G3 of the quills by wrapping a thread about the same as in the foregoing embodiment, however, I may dispense with this and secure substantially the same results.

Referring next to the embodiments of Figs. 11, l2 and 13, wherein I illustrate still another scheme for fletching the arrow, which comprises forming three slots in the end of the tubular shaft extending longitudinally therein a distance substantially three inches and in then telescoping a wooden nock 71 into the end of the tubular shaft having its periphery formed of spaced flattened portions and each disposed directly opposite to the slots 70 of the tubular shaft when so telescoped. Prior to the insertion of the nock 71,I secure the quills 73 of the feathers on the flattened portion 72 of a suitable cement or other adhesive material and I thenv insertthe nook 71 into the tubular shaft with the vanes 74 of the feathers aligned in the slots 70 and extending radially therethrough. The flattened portions of the plug are suiiiciently depressed to permit the ends 75 of the quills to extend into the tubular shaft beyond the slots 70 thereof and thus I provide additional securing means for the feathers. The plug portion of the nock is cylindrical and of a diameter sufficient to seal the end of the shaft bore. l

As best shown in Fig. 13 of the drawings, the nock 71 may be secured in the tubular shaft against accidental disengagement therefrom, and the slotted end portion 78 of the tubular shaft may be secured against spreading radially by the application of a solder or the like at localized points such as at 76 in the slots adjacent the nock 79. The nock end may be slotted at 77 forthe reception of the bow string.

Referring now to Fig. 14 of the drawings, I show a modification vof the pile construction of an arrow of the foregoing embodiment, which comprises inwardly swaging the end of the tubular shaft 90 at 83 to closely approximate a point at 81, and in then filling the `small aperture remaining in the end of the tube with solder 83, or the like, to insure proper balance of the arrow and also to seal the end thereof against the ingress of moisof the nock element. I This filling, 85, is ofa sound deadening material such as cork, asbestos wool, or the like, and it is understood that I may and do contemplatesometimes supplying this filling to shafts showing other methods of securing the feathering than that shown in Fig. 7 and may be employed in connection with any-tubular arrow, the object of such filling being to deaden vibrations of the metallic material of the shaft walls, to the end that-any vibrations otherwise accomplishing a ringing metallic sound may be so subdued that such sound will not be objectionably present. When the feathering is secured in the marmer illustrated in Fi 1l, I sometimes contemplate employing this filling throughout the interior of the shaft, replacing, incidentally, the element 80, the filling 85 performing its function of holding the feathering.

In Fig. 15, I show a fragment of a shaft 10 wherein I appl a coating of cellulose 100 to the exterior 0 a metallic tube, which I find is also ,effective to subdue such vibrations. I contemplate sometimes employing the filling and coating in a single arrow, and it, will be understood that in all cases I maintain the same exterior diameter by reducing the diameter of the metallic tube by the amount of the wall thickness of the cellulose coatingwhen applied, and that I may reduce the thlckness of wall of the tube to compensate for an difference in weight resulting rogi the a dition of the filling, coating, or

Improved arrow constructions employing the nock substantially as shown in Flgs. 3, 4 and 5 and the pile construction shown 1n Fig. 14 are not specificallyclaimed herein, being .claimed specifically in my co-pending application, Serial No. 472,449, filed August 1st, f

1930, which is a division hereof.

Having thus described my 'invention in certain specific embodiments, I am aware that numerous and extensivedepartures may be made yfrom the embodiments herein illustrated and described without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

ering projected through the slits, and a filling of inherently com ressible material for the portion of the sha underlying the featherlng to maintain internal pressure against he internal surfaces of the quill bases t ereo 2. An arrow for archery comprising a metallic shaft, and a fillin for the shaft of relatively non-sound con ucting material.

3. An arrow for archery comprisin a metallic shaft, a filling and a coating or the interior and exterior of the shaft, each of relatively non-sound conducting material.

4. An arrow for archery comprising a metallic shaft, a filling and a coating for the interior and exterior of the shaft, one being of relatively non-sound conducting material.

5. An arrow for archery' comprising a tubular metallic shaft and vlbration deadening material extending longitudinally of the shaft in engagement-with its lwall to subdue metallic vibrations thereof. V

6. An arrowphaving a tubular metal shaft formed with axial slits at its feathered end, and feathers insertable endwise into said slits, the veins of the feathers being within the shaft and wider than the slits for the purpose specified, and a lug of relatively .sound vibration dampenmg `material disposed within the shaft against the said veins to retain them in position.

7. An' arrow having a tubular metal shaft formed with axial slits at its feathered end,

and feathers insertable endwise Sinto said slits, the veins of the feathers being within the shaft and wider thanthe slits for the.

purpose specified, and a'plug ofrelatively sound vibration dampemng material disposed within the shaft against the said veins 1. An arrow comprising a pile and shaft, 

